From LaBelle, Florida for Hendry and Glades County and the Lake Okeechobee region. Don Browne, editor.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

June 27 National HIV Test Day

National HIV Testing Day, this year on June 27, is an annual campaign to encourage people of all ages to "Take the Test, Take Control."

Too many people don't know they have HIV. In the United States, nearly 1.1 million people are living with HIV, and almost one in six don't know they are infected. Getting tested is the first step to finding out if you have HIV.

If you have HIV, getting medical care and taking medicines regularly helps you live a longer, healthier life and also lowers the chances of passing HIV on to others.

Learn more about CDC’s HIV testing campaigns. Materials are available that incorporate the campaigns in various community settings.Reasons/Razones promotes HIV testing among Hispanic/Latino gay and bisexual menTake Charge. Take the Test. encourages African American women to be tested for HIVTesting Makes Us Stronger promotes HIV testing among black gay and bisexual men

Make an appointment with your provider today or find a testing site at http://hivtest.cdc.gov/ to take the test and take control! Many Health Department and agencies offer free testing on a walk-in basis or by appointment.